As the 2023 college football season winds down, teams are already starting to look ahead to 2024. And for many programs, that means figuring out who they will play on their schedule.
The strength of schedule is an important factor in determining a team’s ranking in the College Football Playoff (CFP). The CFP committee considers the strength of a team’s opponents when determining who will make the four-team playoff. So, teams with a tough schedule have a better chance of making the CFP than teams with a weak schedule.
So, which teams have the toughest schedule in 2024? Here is a look at the top five:
College Football Strength Of Schedule 2024
Which teams face toughest tests?
- Alabama’s gauntlet of SEC foes
- Georgia’s challenging cross-division games
- Ohio State’s Big Ten gauntlet
- Clemson’s ACC slate
- Notre Dame’s independent schedule
- Oklahoma’s new Big 12 challenges
- Texas’ tough SEC debut
- USC’s Pac-12 gauntlet
These teams will have to navigate a gauntlet of tough opponents in order to reach the College Football Playoff.
Alabama’s gauntlet of SEC foes
Alabama has one of the toughest schedules in the country every year, but their 2024 slate is particularly daunting. The Crimson Tide will face seven teams that finished in the top 25 of the final CFP rankings in 2022, including four teams that made the College Football Playoff.
- Texas A&M: The Aggies are Alabama’s biggest challenger in the SEC West. They have a talented roster led by quarterback Connor Weigman and running back Devon Achane.
- Georgia: The defending national champions are always a tough opponent, and they will be looking for revenge after Alabama beat them in the SEC Championship Game in 2022.
- Ohio State: The Buckeyes are one of the top teams in the country, and they will be looking to make a statement in their first year in the SEC.
- Clemson: The Tigers are another perennial powerhouse, and they will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season.
Alabama will also face tough tests against other SEC East teams like Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The Crimson Tide will need to be at their best all season long if they want to make it back to the College Football Playoff.
Georgia’s challenging cross-division games
Georgia has one of the toughest schedules in the country every year, but their 2024 slate is particularly daunting. The Bulldogs will face seven teams that finished in the top 25 of the final CFP rankings in 2022, including four teams that made the College Football Playoff.
One of the biggest challenges for Georgia in 2024 will be their cross-division games. The Bulldogs will face three of the top teams in the SEC West: Alabama, Texas A&M, and LSU. All three of these teams are capable of beating Georgia, and the Bulldogs will need to be at their best to win these games.
Alabama is the defending national champion and one of the most dominant teams in college football history. The Crimson Tide have won six national championships in the past 12 years, and they are always a contender for the title. Georgia will need to be at their best to beat Alabama in 2024.
Texas A&M is another tough opponent for Georgia. The Aggies have a talented roster led by quarterback Connor Weigman and running back Devon Achane. Texas A&M has been a thorn in Georgia’s side in recent years, and the Bulldogs will need to be careful not to overlook them in 2024.
LSU is another team that Georgia will need to be careful of in 2024. The Tigers have a lot of talent on their roster, and they are always a threat to win the SEC West. Georgia will need to be at their best to beat LSU in 2024.
Ohio State’s Big Ten gauntlet
Ohio State has one of the toughest schedules in the country every year, but their 2024 slate is particularly daunting. The Buckeyes will face seven teams that finished in the top 25 of the final CFP rankings in 2022, including four teams that made the College Football Playoff.
- Michigan: The Wolverines are Ohio State’s biggest rival, and they are always a tough opponent. Michigan has won the past two meetings between the two teams, and they will be looking to make it three in a row in 2024.
- Penn State: The Nittany Lions are another tough opponent for Ohio State. Penn State has a talented roster led by quarterback Drew Allar and running back Nick Singleton. The Nittany Lions will be looking to avenge their loss to Ohio State in 2022.
- Wisconsin: The Badgers are always a tough opponent, and they will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season. Wisconsin has a talented defense led by linebacker Nick Herbig and safety John Torchio. The Badgers will be looking to make things difficult for Ohio State in 2024.
- Iowa: The Hawkeyes are another tough opponent for Ohio State. Iowa has a talented defense led by linebacker Jack Campbell and safety Kaevon Merriweather. The Hawkeyes will be looking to make things difficult for Ohio State in 2024.
Ohio State will also face tough tests against other Big Ten teams like Michigan State, Purdue, and Nebraska. The Buckeyes will need to be at their best all season long if they want to make it back to the College Football Playoff.
Clemson’s ACC slate
Clemson has one of the toughest schedules in the country every year, but their 2024 slate is particularly daunting. The Tigers will face seven teams that finished in the top 25 of the final CFP rankings in 2022, including three teams that made the College Football Playoff.
One of the biggest challenges for Clemson in 2024 will be their ACC schedule. The Tigers will face three of the top teams in the ACC Atlantic Division: Florida State, NC State, and Louisville. All three of these teams are capable of beating Clemson, and the Tigers will need to be at their best to win these games.
Florida State is a rising power in the ACC, and they will be looking to challenge Clemson for the ACC Championship in 2024. The Seminoles have a talented roster led by quarterback AJ Swann and running back Trey Benson. Florida State will be looking to avenge their loss to Clemson in 2022.
NC State is another tough opponent for Clemson. The Wolfpack have a talented roster led by quarterback Devin Leary and running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye. NC State has been a thorn in Clemson’s side in recent years, and the Tigers will need to be careful not to overlook them in 2024.
Louisville is another team that Clemson will need to be careful of in 2024. The Cardinals have a lot of talent on their roster, and they are always a threat to win the ACC Atlantic Division. Clemson will need to be at their best to beat Louisville in 2024.
Notre Dame’s independent schedule
Notre Dame has one of the toughest schedules in the country every year, but their 2024 slate is particularly daunting. The Fighting Irish will face seven teams that finished in the top 25 of the final CFP rankings in 2022, including four teams that made the College Football Playoff.
One of the biggest challenges for Notre Dame in 2024 will be their independent schedule. The Fighting Irish will face three of the top teams in the country: Ohio State, Clemson, and Alabama. All three of these teams are capable of beating Notre Dame, and the Fighting Irish will need to be at their best to win these games.
Ohio State is one of the top teams in the country, and they will be looking to make a statement in their first year in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have a talented roster led by quarterback CJ Stroud and running back TreVeyon Henderson. Ohio State will be looking to avenge their loss to Notre Dame in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl.
Clemson is another top team in the country, and they will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season. The Tigers have a talented roster led by quarterback Cade Klubnik and running back Will Shipley. Clemson will be looking to beat Notre Dame for the first time since 2015.
Alabama is the defending national champion and one of the most dominant teams in college football history. The Crimson Tide have won six national championships in the past 12 years, and they are always a contender for the title. Notre Dame will need to be at their best to beat Alabama in 2024.
Oklahoma’s new Big 12 challenges
Oklahoma is joining the SEC in 2024, but they will have a tough schedule in the Big 12 before they leave. The Sooners will face six teams that finished in the top 25 of the final CFP rankings in 2022, including three teams that made the College Football Playoff.
One of the biggest challenges for Oklahoma in 2024 will be their new Big 12 schedule. The Sooners will face three of the top teams in the conference: Baylor, Oklahoma State, and TCU. All three of these teams are capable of beating Oklahoma, and the Sooners will need to be at their best to win these games.
Baylor is the defending Big 12 champion, and they will be looking to repeat in 2024. The Bears have a talented roster led by quarterback Blake Shapen and running back Richard Reese. Baylor will be looking to avenge their loss to Oklahoma in the 2022 Big 12 Championship Game.
Oklahoma State is another tough opponent for Oklahoma. The Cowboys have a talented roster led by quarterback Spencer Sanders and running back Dominic Richardson. Oklahoma State has been a thorn in Oklahoma’s side in recent years, and the Sooners will need to be careful not to overlook them in 2024.
TCU is another team that Oklahoma will need to be careful of in 2024. The Horned Frogs have a talented roster led by quarterback Max Duggan and running back Kendre Miller. TCU is always a threat to win the Big 12, and Oklahoma will need to be at their best to beat them in 2024.
Texas’ tough SEC debut
Texas is joining the SEC in 2024, and they will have a tough schedule in their first year in the conference. The Longhorns will face seven teams that finished in the top 25 of the final CFP rankings in 2022, including four teams that made the College Football Playoff.
One of the biggest challenges for Texas in 2024 will be their SEC schedule. The Longhorns will face three of the top teams in the conference: Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. All three of these teams are capable of beating Texas, and the Longhorns will need to be at their best to win these games.
Alabama is the defending national champion and one of the most dominant teams in college football history. The Crimson Tide have won six national championships in the past 12 years, and they are always a contender for the title. Texas will need to be at their best to beat Alabama in 2024.
Georgia is another top team in the SEC, and they will be looking to repeat as national champions in 2024. The Bulldogs have a talented roster led by quarterback Stetson Bennett and running back Kenny McIntosh. Georgia will be looking to avenge their loss to Texas in the 2019 Sugar Bowl.
LSU is another team that Texas will need to be careful of in 2024. The Tigers have a talented roster led by quarterback Jayden Daniels and running back Josh Williams. LSU is always a threat to win the SEC, and Texas will need to be at their best to beat them in 2024.
USC’s Pac-12 gauntlet
USC has one of the toughest schedules in the country every year, but their 2024 slate is particularly daunting. The Trojans will face seven teams that finished in the top 25 of the final CFP rankings in 2022, including three teams that made the College Football Playoff.
One of the biggest challenges for USC in 2024 will be their Pac-12 schedule. The Trojans will face three of the top teams in the conference: Utah, Oregon, and Washington. All three of these teams are capable of beating USC, and the Trojans will need to be at their best to win these games.
Utah is the defending Pac-12 champion, and they will be looking to repeat in 2024. The Utes have a talented roster led by quarterback Cameron Rising and running back Tavion Thomas. Utah will be looking to avenge their loss to USC in the 2022 Pac-12 Championship Game.
Oregon is another tough opponent for USC. The Ducks have a talented roster led by quarterback Bo Nix and running back Bucky Irving. Oregon has been a thorn in USC’s side in recent years, and the Trojans will need to be careful not to overlook them in 2024.
Washington is another team that USC will need to be careful of in 2024. The Huskies have a talented roster led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and running back Wayne Taulapapa. Washington is always a threat to win the Pac-12, and USC will need to be at their best to beat them in 2024.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 college football season:
Question 1: Which teams have the toughest schedule in 2024?
Answer: Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas, and USC all have very tough schedules in 2024.
Question 2: What are some of the most anticipated games of the 2024 season?
Answer: Some of the most anticipated games of the 2024 season include Alabama vs. Georgia, Ohio State vs. Michigan, Clemson vs. Florida State, Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma, and Texas vs. Texas A&M.
Question 3: Which teams are the favorites to make the College Football Playoff in 2024?
Answer: Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson are all considered to be the favorites to make the College Football Playoff in 2024.
Question 4: Which teams are the dark horses to make the College Football Playoff in 2024?
Answer: Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas, and USC are all considered to be dark horses to make the College Football Playoff in 2024.
Question 5: Which players are expected to have big seasons in 2024?
Answer: Some of the players who are expected to have big seasons in 2024 include Bryce Young (Alabama), CJ Stroud (Ohio State), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), and Arch Manning (Texas).
Question 6: What are some of the biggest storylines to watch for in the 2024 college football season?
Answer: Some of the biggest storylines to watch for in the 2024 college football season include the new Big 12 conference, the return of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, and the quest for the first undefeated national champion since 2018.
Question 7: Where can I find more information about the 2024 college football season?
Answer: You can find more information about the 2024 college football season on ESPN, CBS Sports, and The Athletic.
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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 2024 college football season. As the season gets closer, more information will be available. Be sure to check back often for the latest news and updates.
In addition to the FAQ, here are some additional tips for following the 2024 college football season:
Tips
Here are a few tips for following the 2024 college football season:
Tip 1: Mark your calendar for the big games.
There are a lot of great games on the schedule in 2024, so be sure to mark your calendar for the ones you don’t want to miss. Some of the most anticipated games include Alabama vs. Georgia, Ohio State vs. Michigan, Clemson vs. Florida State, Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma, and Texas vs. Texas A&M.
Tip 2: Set your DVR or streaming service.
If you can’t watch the games live, be sure to set your DVR or streaming service to record them. This way, you can watch them at your convenience.
Tip 3: Follow your favorite teams and players on social media.
Social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and rumors about your favorite teams and players. Be sure to follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Tip 4: Check out the latest college football news and analysis.
There are a lot of great websites and podcasts that provide college football news and analysis. Be sure to check them out to stay informed about the latest storylines and trends.
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By following these tips, you can make sure that you’re getting the most out of the 2024 college football season.
Now that you know more about the 2024 college football season, start planning your watch schedule and get ready for some great games!
Conclusion
The 2024 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With several top teams facing off against each other in tough non-conference and conference games, there is sure to be plenty of drama and excitement throughout the season.
Some of the biggest storylines to watch for in 2024 include the new Big 12 conference, the return of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, and the quest for the first undefeated national champion since 2018. There are also a number of talented players to watch, including Bryce Young (Alabama), CJ Stroud (Ohio State), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), and Arch Manning (Texas).
With so much to look forward to, the 2024 college football season is sure to be one for the ages. Be sure to mark your calendars for the big games and get ready for some great football!
Closing Message:
I hope this article has given you a good overview of the 2024 college football season. Be sure to check back often for the latest news and updates.